Have Black People Saved Fashion Again?

De-Fynit
6 days ago
3 min read

Michael Henry Adams, Abdou Ndoye, Craig Shimirimana, Von Penn Jr, Dandy Wellington, Grailing King, Lamine Seck, Serigne Sene, and Iké Udé photographed by Tyler Mitchell (@tylersphotos), “The Dinner Party,” 2025. Via Instagram @metmuseum.

On Monday, 5 May 2025, the Met Gala lit up the Metropolitan Museum of Art with its theme: Superfine: Tailoring Back Style. This year wasn’t just about red carpets and couture it was a cultural reset. We witnessed some of the boldest, most unforgettable looks of recent years. More than 40% of attendees delivered iconic moments that will stay etched in fashion history, with unexpected stars rising to the top.

But beneath all the sequins, silk, and stares, one question refuses to be ignored:

Did this moment of brilliance owe its existence to the unstoppable force that is Black creativity?

Let’s be real: fashion wouldn’t be where it is today without the innovation, resilience, and artistry of Black people and other communities of colour. From the streets to the runways, they’ve redefined what it means to dress with intention, even when the industry failed to give them credit.

The Cultural Backbone of Fashion

Throughout history, people of colour (POC) have been at the forefront of blending, remixing, and revolutionising fashion. They didn’t just adapt—they transformed. Think about it: African braiding traditions became global style statements. Sewing and tailoring passed down through Caribbean households during the Windrush generation gave rise to a British fashion renaissance.

During the Windrush generation, sewing was an essential skill for women in Caribbean households. Their craftsmanship helped shape British fashion, introducing tights, frilled blouses, dresses, and cardigans enriched with cultural flair.

And the Caribbean? A melting pot where European styles collided with African artistry, creating looks that were unapologetically fresh and globally influential.

More Than a Trend

For some, dandyism might feel like just another buzzword tied to the Met Gala’s 2025 theme. But let’s keep it real: dandyism is rebellion. It’s a movement. It’s a statement of pride, power, and the beauty of defiance.

Dandyism has roots that stretch deep. Frederick Douglass, Toussaint Louverture style icons. They didn’t just wear clothes; they weaponised fashion. In an era when Black people were stripped of dignity, they took tailored suits, polished shoes, and carefully knotted cravats to show the world: We are more than the boxes you put us in.

Fast forward to the Harlem Renaissance in the 1920s: Black dandies weren’t just dressing well; they were rewriting masculinity. They embraced softness, self-adornment, and bold colours, saying goodbye to outdated norms. Their style wasn’t about blending in it was about standing out and demanding respect.

The Backbone of Modern Fashion

Today, we see echoes of this history in every corner of the fashion industry. The artistry of POC designers, models, and stylists has shaped the way we think about style, elegance, and individuality. It’s a history often overshadowed but impossible to erase.

As we celebrate the stunning looks of the Met Gala 2025, let us remember the shoulders upon which this creativity stands. Black people and POC have not just contributed to fashion they have saved it time and again, infusing it with meaning, passion, and boundless innovation.